Locatelli calls for stricter rules in alcohol policy

By Jeremy Herb

Santa Clara instituted a new alcohol policy this quarter requiring stiffer punishments for on- and off-campus drinking and a quicker track to disciplinary probation and housing cancellation.

University President Paul Locatelli, S.J., directly mandated the stricter new policy after there were a "troubling and disappointing" number of students requiring medical attention and receiving citations for alcohol and other drug violations.

Last quarter, there were 34 students who received medical attention for alcohol use, 17 of which went to the hospital. In addition, 287 students received citations, with another 27 cases from fall quarter still pending.

"This bold and reckless disregard for the law and for our university community standards implies that the alcohol problem is much more pervasive than we had previously thought," Locatelli stated in an e-mail to students and in a letter to staff and faculty obtained by The Santa Clara.

Associate Dean for Student Life Matthew Duncan said there were two majors changes with the new alcohol policy:

* There is a distinction between "high-risk" and "low-risk" drinking.

A "high-risk" violator is someone in possession of alcohol who is under 21; who is conducting his or her self in a disorderly manner; who has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol; or who requires medical attention, according to the new policy.

A "low-risk" violator is someone who is in the presence of alcohol but is not drinking. First time, "low-risk" violators must pay a $50 fine. A first "high-risk" violation includes an educational sanction and parental notification for any student under 21.

* Students will face disciplinary probation and housing contract cancellation one violation quicker than in the previous policy.

A student's housing contract will be cancelled after a third "high-risk" violation.

It was the fourth violation in the previous policy.

With the first off-campus violation that warrants a response from the Santa Clara police for alcohol-related misconduct, a student is placed on disciplinary probation, given a $100 fine, and parents are notified.

Previously, the first off-campus violation was a $75 fine and an educational sanction and did not include serving alcohol to a minor.

Jim Briggs, executive assistant to the president, said Locatelli was confident the changes would have a "positive effect" on curbing "high-risk" drinking at the university.

"He wanted to send the message there are concerns of student health and safety and concerns about alcohol abuse," Briggs said. "It's clear from the student judicial records that the majority of disciplinary citations are usually the result of alcohol."

Locatelli stated in his e-mail to students that alcohol is a factor in virtually all of the most serious student conduct violations, including physical fights, sexual violence, drunk driving and verbal attacks.

The new policy changes were coordinated by the Office of Student Life and Residence Life, and included meetings with Community Facilitators about the alcohol policy. The last time the OSL changed the alcohol policy was in 2004.

Juan Ramirez, a sophomore and community facilitator in Graham, said he hoped the changes would help curb excessive drinking, but he was also worried there could be negative effects.

"One fear is that it might encourage quicker drinking not to get caught," Ramirez said. "People taking shots real quick before they go out."

Ramirez said he worried students might not get medical help for fear of citations, but he has made it clear to his residents that safety is much more important.

"The first talk I had with them, I said I know they're going to drink," Ramirez said, "but I want to come help (if someone needs medical attention). I care more about their health than about writing up."

Locatelli scheduled a mandatory meeting on Wednesday for all students who received a citation in the fall or summer quarters. At the meeting, he stressed three points: students' personal safety, their academic performance and the negative impact abuse of alcohol can have on the community, one student who attended the meeting said.

Those who didn't attend the meeting "will be placed, at a minimum, on disciplinary probation for the remainder of the academic year," according to an e-mail obtained by The Santa Clara that Locatelli sent to students who received a citation.

Contact Jeremy Herb at (408) 554-4546 or jmherb@scu.edu.